He co-wrote the tunes that turned a quartet of Scandinavian super-troupers into a global phenomenon. But Benny Andersson is bemused by the endless appeal of Abba.

Marvin Gaye’s signature silver platform boots made by Gaye’s wife, Janis, 1970s As I’m sure many of the more academic readers of DM are aware, the history of guys strutting around in big heels goes all the way back to the Baroque period when it was considered to the calling card of a truly “masculine” kind of man. Oh yes. Wearing heels made you taller and being taller made one appear more menacing. And for men in positions of power or prestige, being intimidating was helpful with ensuring…